Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Fobazi Ettarh at ALA Annual

As you may know, Fobazi Ettarh, librarian and LIS scholar who named the concept of vocational awe, passed away in late January of this year. Her loss has been felt deeply in the Library Community.

Please click here to read her seminal article on Vocational Awe.

Fobazi’s family will hold a public in-person celebration of life in honor of her life and legacy in Chicago on Saturday June 27 1-3 PM, at the South Asia Institute (1925 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 2nd floor; elevator available). This is walking distance from the convention center.

All who knew and loved Fobazi or were impacted by her work are welcome to attend. Colleagues, friends, and family will speak in her memory, and food and refreshments will be provided.  

Please RSVP on Eventbrite to help estimate attendance and manage catering. This event is free; however, for those who are interested in making contributions to Fobazi's family to defray lingering costs, please feel free to make a contribution at this GoFundMe.

I hope to se many of you there.

Click here to register 

Attack of the Best Lists 2026: Half Year Check-In

This post is part of my year end "Attack of the Best Lists" coverage. To see every post in my "Attack of the Best Lists" coverage [and more backlist best of the year options] you can click here. 

We are past the half way point of June now and "best of the year so far" lists are coming fast and furious. I will link to a handful of them be below but first, why should you care about the "best" books of 2026 when we are only halfway there?

Well, there are many reasons from practical to patron service oriented. 

1. Collection development: these are the books you should have in your collections right now. But also, check all of these authors and see if they have other books, releasing previous to these break-out titles, and make sure you have those too. These best lists are there to identify specific "right now" titles, yes, but also use the lists as a prompt to check for backlist options as well.
2. While you wait lists: you are not the only one seeing the lists. They are from major media sources. People are going to be coming in and asking for many of these books, often in larger number from when they first came out. Are you ready with suggestions while they wait on hold? Readlaikes for the specific titles and/or authors. Past titles by said authors (see point 1). Even just "best" books lists from last year-- click here to see my "Attack of the Best Lists" coverage via posts going back in reverse chronological order.
3. Displays but make them interactive: use the lists below to get those "Best of the Year So Far" displays up and then make it interactive. Click here to see how to ask questions of you staff and patrons and then pu the answers on display. The conversation starter here is "what is the best book you have read so far this year?" Don't worry about if it came out this year or not. That does not matter. We are highlighting the books that have brought people joy over the last 6 months and spreading that happiness by displaying as many of the books as possible. This is not a gatekeeping moment where you go..."but that is a 2023 book." NO ONE CARES. DON'T SQUASH THE JOY. You can start the display with the specific 2026 lists linked below, but then expand the display with your staff and patrons responses to broaden the offerings. 
4. Don't forget to bridge the physical-virtual divide and get those displays and the conversation start questions into your online spaces. Asking the questions on social media is a great option. Having a google form with whatever the current conversation starter question is on your website. Posting a picture of the display on social media and linking to a list of the books in the catalog and even making a list on Libby and linking there. Just figure out ways to make the display and conversation available in the building and in your online spaces because our patrons use all of our services and do not see them as separate. The library is a space to visit a building AND a space on their phones and computers. 
5. For fun: look, June is very busy at the library. As schools let out, people come back to the library in droves. We are running summer reading, increasing programming, and serving larger numbers of people. Celebrating all of the great titles we have already seen in 2026, if just fun. Embrace some fun. Enjoy the conversation around "best go the year so far." As I mentioned in point 3, get everyone in the community participating. It is pure innocent positivity. Everyone can have their say and you can be the one to spread the joy.

Here are a handful of those lists from across the publishing landscape to get you started:

• Amazon's Best of 2026 So Far: landing page. This page leads to MANY categories, providing a variety of options for every reader
• Barnes & Noble's Best Books of 20226 (So Far): landing page
• Audible editors offer a midyear roundup of 2026’s top listens thus far
• A few options from GoodReads which also leaves room for backlist options as they are looking at the most read books of 2026.
• Readers’ Most Read Books of the 2026 Reading Challenge (So Far)
• Readers’ Hit New Books of the Year (So Far): sorted by genre and then ranked within that.
• Book Riot breaks down the most read books on Goodreads in 2026 so far
• NYT Book Review Best Fiction and Nonfiction of 2026 So Far (Gift Link)
• 10 Best Books of 2026 So Far via the BBC

I would also direct you to the January-June 2026 LibraryReads lists as well. Those are best lists from your fellow library workers. Click here for the Archive of every year, with 2026 listed first. In general, the LibraryReads archive is an underused "best list" option. 

I Am Presenting a Huddle at ALA Annual with Lila Denning on Better Book Displays

Next week, I will have a full post with my ALA schedule including my signing block of the Bram Stoker AwardⓇ winning WHY I LOVE HORROR at the S&S Booth on Saturday and the Library Insights Preconference Friday, but first, I wanted to let you know about my one presentation during ALA proper. It is a huddle with Lila Denning:

Connect Lounge Huddle: To facilitate discovery and circulation, how can libraries make their reading collection displays more engaging?

Sunday, June 28, 2026

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM CDT

Location: McCormick Place, ALA Connect Lounge, Hall F2 Lobby

The humble book display is often not used to its fullest as the discovery tool it can be. And we often forget how much it can drive increased circulation. But in a world where patrons use the library as both a physical and digital space, and with an understanding that patrons crave interactive experiences, discussion leaders Becky Spratford and Lila Denning will share their decades of experience as librarians and trainers to help huddle participants break down how to create displays that spark conversation, bring patrons of all ages into the library, and have them leave not only with a few good books to read but also a plan to return soon to get some more.

Moderated by Becky Spratford and Lila Denning

 Lila is an expert in passive RA and crafting book displays that help books fly off the shelves. Her secret-- not decorating them and just choosing good books. We are excited to invite anyone, those who serve all ages of readers, from any library type that has a popular reading collection (school, public, academic, even special) to join us as we share some expert tips and gather your ideas. 

I will be taking notes and will have a write up after ALA as well, so even if you cannot make it, I will get you the key information.

As Lila and I have been preparing for the huddle, she posted the slides for a short presentation on 5 Book Display Basics. We are going to use this as our starting point since we only have 20 minutes. (Although, her and I are willing to move the conversation somewhere else to keep it going if needed.)

Again, you now have this information via this post or her blog. Along with the notes I will post and the general reports I will write up from ALA in general, I am committed to making sure that those of you who cannot come to Chicago next week still get as much learning from me out of the event as possible.

Summer Reading 2026: LitHub's Ultimate Summer Reading List

Back in December, I had this post about one of my favorite end of the year Best List-- LitHubs's Ultimate Best Books List. 

What I love about this list is how it crowd sources dozens of major publications' "Best Lists" from all over and totals them all up to see what the most popular "Best" titles are. It gives you a survey of the entire "Best" landscape in an easy snapshot. If you look at that post, you can get current and backlist lists that look at all the lists. While that is a lot of instances of the word list, you get what I mean. LitHub's "Ultimate Lists" are an excellent resource because by definition they are crowd sourced.

That's a general PSA for all of their "Ultimate Lists," but right now I want to focus on the current 2026 Ultimate Summer Reading List.

Author Emily Temple read 25 summer reading lists, which recommended a total of 419 individual books and crunched the numbers. 60 books were mentioned 3 or more times. This is THE summer reading list you need for your patrons because it is comprised of all the lists.

The most lists a book was on was 13 (out of 25) and the Temple includes appears 3 times. You can click here to read The Ultimate Summer 2026 Reading List.

And please scroll to the end to see the links to all of the lists she used to build her "Ultimate" list. Not only do I love a list that cites its sources, but also by making them clickable, you can dig even deeper to find more titles.

Of course, many of these books will be checked out all summer, but many of these authors have older books you can suggest to readers while they wait.

Post this list online and in your libraries as the "Best of the Summer Reading Lists." Put up a sign and then fill the display with Summer Reading titles that are on the shelf. Use titles from previous years (use my Summer Reading tag for help with that). Also include previous titles by the authors on this year's list and readalike titles for the authors.

You have plenty to fill the display. And again, there is no library jail. No one is going to get upset or punish you if you use titles adjacent to this year's specific lists. In fact, just the opposite, When you include 

I feel like a broken record, but it bares repeating. Books do not have to be from this exact summer to be great summer reads. You have plenty to fill the display. No one is going to get upset or punish you if you use titles adjacent to this year's specific lists (as opposed to those literally on them). In fact, just the opposite. When you include titles from this year, previous years, readalikes for those authors, titles that you think would be a great summer read, anything I have posted using the summer reading tag, etc...., people will thank you.

Your patrons want a good book to read over the summer. They have no idea where to start. When you widen the net of option, when you get creative in your "summer reading" marketing, while making sure the books are solid reads, you will draw more readers to your display. When you provide them with a book they end up loving, you have hooked them for life. They will come back for more. They will tell their friends. You have won.

But in order to do that you have to stop being so literal. A great place to start is the backlist. The last few years of Summer Reading hot picks will be on the shelf. They were summer reads in the near past. They are great books that people missed. They are still great reads. Allow them to shine

Speaking of....here is the link to pull up the Ultimate Summer Reading Lists going back to 2022. As well as using my "summer reads" tag.

This is also a great time to use my conversation starter to display posts (and handout with examples) to ask your staff and readers to share this favorite "Summer Reads." Note, I did not say, favorite Summer Reads out in 2026. Keep it broader. Find out what they have loved the most. From that poll, you can not only make a display, but also get some in real time feedback about what your patrons like to read in the summer. And it makes for an easy, interactive display that SHOWS your patrons that you are listening to them. Again use my directions on how to have that conversation here.

Be creative and broad with your "Summer Reading" lists, suggestions, and displays. Include titles from year's past, include other books by the authors on this year's lists, include readalikes for these authors... You get my point. Be as open as possible.

Give people more options that what they see in that one list they saw on that one website. No one is going to "check your math," and be like, "Umm....what list told you this was a "best" summer read." Of course not. They trust you to help them find the books they wouldn't find without you. They expect to fond things at the library they wouldn't see other places. This is where we excel and leave a mark on those we assist with their leisure reading. Embrace it and go for it.

And a great place to start that process is LitHub's Ultimate Summer Reading Lists. 

LibraryReads: July 2026

       

 It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All

1. I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
2. I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about LibraryReads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
3. You have no excuse not to hand sell any LibraryReads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.
4. Every upcoming book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.

So get out there and suggest a good read to someone today. I don’t care what list or resource you use to find the suggestion, just start suggesting books.

Please remember to click here for everything you need to know about how to participate. 

And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.

Now let's get to the July 2026 list.... 

Rimmer, Kelly

The Story Keeper

MIRA

In this compelling gothic novel set in Australia, recently divorced 50-something Fiona buys her uncle's decaying country estate with plans to refurbish it. But the locals fear the place is haunted. When Fiona discovers a novel that appears to be set in the house, it becomes a dual-timeline story, with chapters from the book woven into the narrative. 

--Robin Beerbower, LibraryReads Ambassador

NoveList read-alike: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

Now the rest of the list...

Curto, Chelsea

In Stormy Weather

Atria Books

9781668217436

7/14/2026

Two rival meteorologists who have been competing since high school end up spending a summer together storm-chasing while they both try to figure out the next steps in their careers. Readers will love this contemporary romance with characters who genuinely respect each other's intelligence and expertise. 

--Gabrielle Lucas, Community Library of the Shenango Valley, PA.

NoveList read-alike: Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances

Eberle, Kate

If Books Could Kill: A Novel

Penguin Books

Roxie wishes to live out her favorite romance author's next book, but ends up in a crime thriller instead, complete with a knife-wielding date. What follows is pure comedic gold as she kidnaps an anxious English professor to help her survive.  This novel is a unique and engaging take on the romance genre.

--Lupe Herrera, Mount Pleasant Public Library, TX

NoveList read-alike: How to Kill a Guy in T en Dates by Shailee Thompson

Knightley, Brigitte

The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy

Ace

In this second book in the Dearly Beloathed Duology, readers find Assassin Osric and Healer Aurienne struggling with their feelings while fighting a deadly Pox outbreak. This cozy romantasy features humorous banter, interesting characters, and fantastic world-building.

--Sara Doyle, Hays Public Library, KS

NoveList read-alike: Queens of Villainy series by Stephanie Burgis

Knoll, Jessica

Helpless

Scribner

Screenwriter Faye senses trouble when she runs into her ex, Henry, who she left behind for Hollywood and a hit show based on their relationship When Faye wakes up drugged in a remote cabin with an angry Henry, motives blur, and the reader is left uncertain, fueling a tense, twisty thriller of kidnapping and revenge.

--Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX

NoveList read-alike: The Plunge by Lila Raicek

Kwok, Jean

Dominion

Putnam

Rubi Morningtail is a skilled ribbon dancer with no memory and minimal magic. Blake Axefire, the handsome Tyger Warrior leader, sees something in her. Thanks to his machinations, she becomes Bonded to a tygress and must train to fight as demons plot devastation. A steamy romantasy with all the popular tropes yet a distinctive world.

--Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, IN 

NoveList read-alike: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark

Mason, Daniel

Country People: A Novel

Random House

Miles Krzelewski has stalled on finishing his PhD in Russian folklore for over a decade. When his wife Kate takes a visiting professorship in Vermont, they move their family across the country. Miles quickly fits into a warm local community rich in its own lore and legends. A joyful novel full of colorful characters.

--Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

NoveList read-alike: Alan Opts Out by Courtney Maum

Obuobi, Shirlene

Die for Me: A Novel

Penguin Books

What starts as a seemingly fun, age-gap romance quickly transforms into a suspenseful and thrilling paranormal ride. Sean, the only Black female cardiologist at her hospital, is consumed by her work and has sworn off love. She finds herself seduced by Julian, a breathtakingly magnetic much younger man. Obuobi expertly builds a slow-burning sense of dread that is both profoundly sensual and genuinely unnerving. 

--Chasity Moreno, New York Public Library, NY

NoveList read-alike: Son of Morning by Akwaeke Emezi

Reeves, Ben

Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt

Avid Reader Press

Death—aka Travis—moves through the world like a normal man. When not providing guidance and comfort to those who are passing, he keeps to himself and lives a quiet life. That changes when he forges a bond with his neighbor and her daughter. This novel explores the nature of grief, the beauty of lives both long and short, and the many ways humans deal with loss. A lovely, weighty, read.

--Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware County District Library, OH 

NoveList read-alike: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Reilly, Grace

Yes, Chef

Avon

Poppy and Jack are both in need of a second chance, having gone viral for a public breakup (her) and a public meltdown (him). They can’t stand each other but somehow find themselves stuck together trying to revive a Florida restaurant. Entertaining and well-written, hitting all the right tropes (grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers).

--Erin Gordenier, librarian, OR

NoveList read-alike: Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent

Board Bonus pick:

Furutani, D. K.

When Mikan Road Was Ours

Atria Books

Notable Nonfiction: 

Suskind, M.D. Dana

Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI

Dutton

See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks

Click here to see the entire Hall of Fame

The LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order. Please note, the current year's Hall of Fame lists are pulled out at the top of the page.

Durst, Sarah Beth

Sea of Charms: A Spellshop Novel

Bramble

Ferguson, Lana

The Final Score

Berkley 

Giffin, Emily

Love You More: A Novel

Ballantine Books

Harmel, Kristin

Meet Me in Paris

Gallery Books

Lapena, Shari

Getting Away with Murder: A Novel

Pamela Dorman Books

Lauren, Christina

The Romance Revival

Gallery Books

Moreno-Garcia, Silvia

The Intrigue

Del Rey

Sampson, Freya

Most Ardently Yours

Sourcebooks Landmark

Solomon, Rachel Lynn

Extracurricular

Berkley 

Tingle, Chuck

Fabulous Bodies

Tor Nightfire

Whitehead, Colson

Cool Machine: A Novel

Doubleday

Winstead, Ashley

Hot Girl Murder Club

Minotaur Books